Our Vision

Growing School Psychologists. Strengthening Idaho’s Future.

Our Why 

At EMPWRing, we believe every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive with the right support at the right time. School psychologists make this possible. With specialized training, they identify causes for learning difficulties, transform difficult behaviors into opportunities for growth, nurture social-emotional well-being, and collaborate with educators,
students, and families to build safe, supportive school communities. Their work not only strengthens academic achievement but also builds resilience and equips students with lifelong
skills to succeed well beyond the classroom.

Yet, across Idaho, far too many students do not have access to these essential services. The state’s school psychologist-to-student ratio is approximately 1:1,700, more than three times the 1:500 ratio recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). In some rural and high-need districts, schools have to contract with outside providers to meet even minimal service needs. This shortage means that learning difficulties may go unidentified, behavioral concerns may escalate, and mental health challenges may not receive timely attention.

Project EMPWRing is tackling this urgent need by preparing the next generation of school psychologists and placing them where they are needed most. We recruit future school psychologists from communities across Idaho, provide them with high-quality training, and support them through hands-on experience in local schools. By doing so, we are building a sustainable pipeline of professionals who will expand access to academic and behavioral health services, strengthen schools, and give thousands of Idaho students the chance to reach their full potential.

Our Mission

Project EMPWRing, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, was created to expand access to academic and behavioral health services by addressing the severe shortage of school
psychologists in Idaho. Our mission is to recruit, train, and retain school psychologists, particularly from the high-need communities, while providing ongoing professional development across the state. 

Through an innovative Grow-Your-Own (GYO) model, we believe that when school psychologists understand the culture, strengths, and needs of their communities, including
students, families, and schools are better equipped to deliver support that is practical, meaningful, and sustainable.

Beyond direct training, Project EMPWRing also fosters collaboration among related service providers, educators, and families to strengthen community-based networks of care. By encouraging coordination and parental involvement, we help build a more comprehensive system of behavioral health support that empowers every child to succeed.

Our Goals

1. Recruit and Prepare Idaho’s School Psychologists

• Fully fund school psychology trainees during the program, prioritizing individuals from underserved communities who will complete their training and return to serve locally.
• Attract and train the trainees through rigorous coursework, mentorship, and meaningful field experiences that strengthen the state’s school psychology workforce.

2. Support Professional and Community Growth

• Provide ongoing professional development for school psychologists and related providers, fostering collaboration among educators, mental health
  professionals, and families to create a coordinated network of support for students.
• Regional liaisons facilitate communication with regional stakeholders, help develop culturally responsive and evidence-based materials tailored to local needs, assist in conducting focus groups, and foster strong partnerships among schools, communities, and professional organizations to strengthen Idaho’s school behavioral health workforce.

3. Build Sustainable, Community-Based Pathways

• Advance a Grow-Your-Own model that empowers local professionals to serve their own communities with cultural understanding and long-term commitment, ensuring every child has access to effective, caring, and connected mental health support.  
• Collaborate with school districts, higher education institutions, and professional organizations to create a sustainable pipeline for future school psychologists.